Rideau Park United Church

SA&O Information Bulletin

Social Action and Outreach Committee
Rideau Park United Church
September, 2004 (reissued August, 2005)

Habitat for Humanity is an independent, charitable, faith-based housing program dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing by building homes in partnership with families in need. We build simple, decent, and affordable houses and provide interest-free mortgages to families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own home. The Habitat for Humanity program is about home ownership and providing a long-term solution designed to break the poverty cycle.

The Habitat for Humanity movement was founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia. The program developed from the concept of “partnership housing” where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life to build simple, decent houses.

In 1984 Habitat’s most famous volunteer, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalyn, participated in their first Habitat build project. Their personal involvement in Habitat brought the organization increased visibility and sparked interest in Habitat’s work throughout North America and around the world.

In 1985 the movement spread to Canada with the formation of the first Canadian affiliate in Winkler, Manitoba. From these simple beginnings the Habitat for Humanity movement in Canada has grown to 59 affiliates in 10 provinces and has been successful in placing more than 700 families into new homes.

Habitat for Humanity now spans over 89 countries and is responsible for placing over 150,000 families into new homes around the world.

People are excited about building with Habitat for Humanity because they realize it’s a way to make a difference! Habitat’s builds take place in over 50 communities across Canada. Volunteers of all ages and experience team up for a common purpose: to provide simple, decent, affordable houses for low-income families. These builds are made possible through the aid of sponsors, resources, and volunteers.

Canada’s First National Summit on Affordable Homeownership was held November 6 - 8, 2003 in Ottawa, Ontario. Habitat for Humanity Canada, with the support of Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation and the Voluntary Sector Initiative, hosted the invitational summit dedicated to addressing affordable homeownership in Canada and strengthening the policy capacity of voluntary and community organizations associated with affordable homeownership.

For additional information contact:

Habitat for Humanity Canada,
40 Albert Street,
Waterloo,Ontario N2L 3S2
Tel: (519) 885-4565 or 1-800-667-5137
Fax: (519) 885-5225

Rideau Park has provided lunch to the volunteers during the build and organizing fund raising events.

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”     Micah 6:8